A writer-mom's life is filled with a million and two distractions; sometimes she finds herself at the park, WRITING ON THE SIDEWALK

Figuring out the THEME

A lot of readers find our site when looking for the THEME of a particular book.

Identifying the theme of any book is difficult because it requires thought. It’s personal. It has to do with how that particular story made you feel and/or change. It’s the thing that makes you want to talk about the book.

There is no one right answer, which is why it’s hard to find the answer online. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that theme can be almost any idea – any great truth – as long as you can back it up with examples from the story. It might feel like something simple – something that parents and teachers have been telling you all your life. Like: Cheaters never win or Slow and steady wins the race or Your brother is perfect and we really do love him better than you. You may or may not agree with the statement, but hopefully you can tell what the author thinks.

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SEARCHING FOR THEME:

What problem did the character(s) face?

Why did he/she have this problem?

Did he/she make the right choice(s)?

Would you have made the same choice? Why or why not?

How did the character change?

As you read, what made you feel (pick one): mad, frustrated, sad, hopeful, elated?

Here are some possible themes for Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Check out this link if you are unfamiliar with this story. You may not agree with all of these themes, but what is important is that there are examples of how this particular idea was shown in the story. All you have to do is pick one and stick with it.

Lock your door when you leave home.

Blondes have a sense of entitlement.

The smallest and youngest always get picked on.

Small bears and girls have a lot in common.

Beggars still want to be choosers.

If you’re going to act like a human, you’ll have to deal with them when they show up at your house.

Have fun with it – this is where a book becomes real – because theme is when a reader brings their own thoughts and beliefs to the mix of plot and characters and setting. That’s why stories matter!